Top Rated Parks to Visit in Meath

"The historical urban park is found 2 to 4 km west of the city center, and also known as the largest enclosed park in Dublin. It boasts myriads of features and tourist attractions, including the Papal Cross, which was erected as the backdrop for the outdoor mass of the late Pope John Paul II on September 29, 1979. Grazing deer can be found near the green area."

"Phoenix Park is one of Europe’s biggest walled city parks and is a great place to walk around and explore for the whole family. There is much so to see in Phoenix Park, including its incredible wildlife such as squirrels and wild deer. Plus, it is also home to Dublin Zoo, so it’s another great place to head if you’ve spent the afternoon at the zoo."

"You can spend more time at the prior attractions or alternatively consider sitting down to relax for an afternoon tea or a coffee nearby, visiting Dublin Zoo (fee*) within Phoenix Park, visiting the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland (fee*), or exploring one of the city’s many free museums (see Day 2 list). Traditional Irish Night Out"

"Placed in the middle of Dublin’s busiest shopping area, St. Stephen’s Green offers refuge from the hustle-and-bustle of the outside world. Take a relaxing stroll in the park, enjoy the warm weather, or take a meditative walk by the lake. The free entrance is magnified by the immensely beautiful green tree linings, pathways, classical arcs, bridges, cooling fountains, and diverse flora and fauna."

"In a prime location opposite Bull Island, an idiosyncratic beach in north Dublin, St Anne’s was the former home of the – yes, the – Guinness family in the 19th century. Spread over some 240 acres, it’s now crammed with fascinating public follies. You’ll find a classical Chinese garden (a gift from China when Dublin twinned with Beijing in 2011), a Herculanean Temple and clock tower, and a physic garden with a range of medicinal herbs."

"The second-largest of the many parks in Dublin, you’ll find St. Anne’s Park between the suburbs of Raheny and Clontarf on the northside of Dublin. And to throw a bit of local celebrity stardust on the site, it was originally part of an estate assembled by members of the Guinness family – namely the descendants of Sir Arthur Guinness himself!. There’s a ton of stuff going on at St. Anne’s and you could spend all day if you so wished."

"Saint Anne’s Park is located on the Northside of Dublin and is one of the most beautiful parks in the county. The park is home to old ruins, Chinese Suzhou Gardens, Rose Gardens and some magical artwork. On the outskirts of the park lies Ireland’s very own tree of life."

"While it’s now largely famous for hosting the huge Longitude music festival every year since 2013, Marlay Park is actually a lovely spot to come for a ramble the other 362 days of the year!. The land was in the hands of various wealthy local luminaries from the mid-18th century onwards until Dublin County Council acquired the land in 1972 and developed it as a regional park. As well as a fine place for a stroll, there’s also a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, six soccer pitches, five GAA pitches, a cricket pitch, a dog park, two children’s playgrounds and a miniature railway."

"Another awesome place to go for a walk in Dublin is Marley Park. It is the perfect place to go for some peace and quiet. The park stretches for 86 acres and is home to ponds, forestry and trails."

"Set within rugged woodland and untamed fields in a well-to-do part of south of Dublin, Killiney Hill Park is wilder than other parks in Dublin. For seasoned walkers, the incline provides a fine challenge. But if climbing to the top is easily accomplished, take in even better views of the Irish Sea, Dublin and Wicklow in the distance by scaling the stony steps of the Pyramid of Dublin."

"Ok, but this one’s pretty cool and it’s perched on top of a hill!. It also used to have a railway station (albeit one that closed over 150 years ago, but still). Located along the southern boundary of Dublin Bay, the main reason you’d head to Killiney Hill Park is for the gorgeous sweeping views from the viewpoint just south of the obelisk."

"A little park with a wonderful view of Dalkey and Killiney villages. It’s a steep walk up the hill, but it’s well worth it. Once you’re up, it’s one of Dublin’s most tranquil spots to relax in."

"Or locally known as The Basin, it is a historic heritage park that provides a haven for all visitors. Located at the heart of Dublin’s north inner city, you can enjoy your leisure walk to the Public Library on The North Circular Road through the green and floral areas of the park. Fountains, floral schemes and features, and diverse woodland animals are to be enjoyed by visitors."

"At the northern end of Parnell Square is a small, peaceful park, dedicated to the men and women who have died in pursuit of Irish freedom. The Garden of Remembrance marks the spot where several leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were held overnight before being taken to Kilmainham Gaol, and was also where the Irish Volunteers movement was formed in 1913. The central water feature is in the form off a sunken crucifix with the mighty Children of Lir statue at one end."

"Nestled away behind Dublin Castle and secluded amongst the city buildings lay these magnificently designed gardens. They are designed with Celtic Symbolism having snake paving work slitter around the circular gardens. In Viking and medieval times this area was under water and called Dubh Linn (Black Pool) because it was where the river Liffey and Poddle met, the Poddle now runs underground and the Liffey banks were receded to where it is presently."

"Located behind the famous Dublin Castle is the sprawling and serene view of the Dubh Linn Gardens. You can take a short stroll, chill, lay down on the grass, and enjoy the tranquility that this park offers. Or maybe, if it piques your interest, you can admire the mega-sized Celtic knot pattern found within the park, or ask what it means to the locals enjoying their stay in Dublin."

"experience, incorporating a visitor centre, interactive exhibition areas and walled botanical garden. The Avoca Cafe is super kid friendly with lots of space, great food and high chairs. The outdoor terrace is a beautiful vantage point to enjoy the gardens…just watch out for the Peacocks which like to show off to our visitors from time to time!"

"If you or your family are planning on a cycling and orienteering trip, look no further, because the green places of Corkagh Park will suit your need. Children will surely enjoy the Pet Farm—with animals ranging from eagles, parakeets, pygmy goats, geese, sheep, zebra finches, and horses can be found. Or, enjoy the magical fairy wood attraction!"

"Corkagh park sits in south Dublin, with the River Camac, and features Ireland’s only purpose built cycle track. Elsewhere, the park has lakes perfect for fishing, flowerbeds to wonder among, and is overflowing with places to sit to enjoy a great book. What more could you ask for?"

"Nestled away behind Dublin Castle and secluded amongst the city buildings lay these magnificently designed gardens. They are designed with Celtic Symbolism having snake paving work slitter around the circular gardens. In Viking and medieval times this area was under water and called Dubh Linn (Black Pool) because it was where the river Liffey and Poddle met, the Poddle now runs underground and the Liffey banks were receded to where it is presently."

"Located behind the famous Dublin Castle is the sprawling and serene view of the Dubh Linn Gardens. You can take a short stroll, chill, lay down on the grass, and enjoy the tranquility that this park offers. Or maybe, if it piques your interest, you can admire the mega-sized Celtic knot pattern found within the park, or ask what it means to the locals enjoying their stay in Dublin."

"experience, incorporating a visitor centre, interactive exhibition areas and walled botanical garden. The Avoca Cafe is super kid friendly with lots of space, great food and high chairs. The outdoor terrace is a beautiful vantage point to enjoy the gardens…just watch out for the Peacocks which like to show off to our visitors from time to time!"

"These idyllic gardens, designed in 1865, are among the finest and least known of Dublin’s parks and gardens and are often referred to as Dublin’s Secret Gardens and the entrance located to one side of the National Concert Hall would indeed have you think that as you walk through leaving the essence of the bustling city behind and entering a mystical and magical oasis of greenery and fountains. Inside there is a rustic grotto, a cascade, a yew maze, a rosarium, an archery grounds and woodlands. The Iveagh Gardens are popular with small and unique food and music festivals throughout the summer."

"One of Dublin’s favorite secret gardens, this one is located a few blocks further south of St. Stephen’s Green. What began as an earl’s lawn now hosts a yew maze, rosarium, fountains, and the cascade, a stunning site for wedding photos. A Human Rights memorial bears witness at these gardens."

"A less known spot a stone’s throw away from St Stephen’s Green, Iveagh Gardens is quieter and more intimate. Yet it’s one of the best locations for wedding photos in Dublin if you want a little oasis of calm in the middle of the city. It even has a magnificent fountain."

"The beautiful grass and colourful flowerbeds are overlooked by the majestic St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It’s a great day out for all, and even sits by the River Liffey."

"With its florescent light signage and bold clashing colour palette, Pichet attracts a trendy, fashion-forward crowd. The holder of a coveted Bib Gourmand, this French bistro comes with a distinctly Irish twist thanks to locally sourced ingredients and direction from passionate owner Steph Gibson, whose stints cooking abroad have influenced his restaurant’s offering. There are a whole host of menus to pick from, including a pre-theatre, a Tuesday tasting menu special and a line-up of bar snacks."

"A recent refurb has put this French eatery firmly on our list. Everything from the neon signage outside, chic tiled floors inside, pristine white napkins and pretty plates make for a beautiful meal."

"For hearty portions and low prices, you can’t beat this casual restaurant which specialises in big, bold French flavours (although it must be noted that this is a less authentic French experience when compared to other options our list). Le Bon Crubeen has the added benefit of being close to the Abbey Theatre, so makes the perfect pre-show spot to enjoy a bite to eat. While the atmosphere might be casual, that doesn’t mean there isn’t finesse here."

"Le Bon Crubeen on Talbot Street has one of the best-value menus in Dublin, considering the incredible standard of their food. Nicely decorated, we would definitely recommend this place to anyone who appreciates good food. REVIEW: An Anti-Trendy Haven Where The Plates Are Big And The Prices Are Small"

"Those who are fans of fine dining will delight at the mouthwatering French cuisine on offer in this Monkstown restaurant. Sip on a glass of wine while enjoying food prepared by their executive chef. They offer a three-course set menu, which can be paired perfectly with some cocktails or a bottle of wine."

"Bresson brings relaxed fine dining to Monkstown and South County Dublin in a casual, comfortable and friendly ambience. The restaurant is named after photographer Henri Cartier Bresson, who shook up the formality of classical photography with spontaneity and casual brilliance. Executive Chef Temple..."

"Again, you will have done your homework and booked something in advance, we hope (though there always is a chance to get late tickets even for the Abbey Theatre, with a bit of luck). If you are set on enjoying an Irish night out, a large number of pubs offer their services and many also provide entertainment (free or for a small fee in most cases). Just follow the crowds, which will, more than likely, bring you to the Temple Bar area."

"Located in Temple Bar, the Project Arts Centre has become a leader in contemporary artistic practice in Dublin and in Ireland. It also hosts local and international festivals like the Dublin Writers Festival, the Dublin Theatre Festival or the Dublin Fringe Festival."

"Tucked away in the historic cobbled streets of Temple Bar is Project Arts Centre, Dublin's best kept secret, a venue packed full of surprises."

"This Arts Centre in Dundrum has a range of events and programmes, but in particular they have a great programme for children. In July they also run performance summer camps."